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DCCA strives to save dying languages
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Posted on Aug 27 2008
In an effort to save the deteriorating state of the CNMI’s two distinct native languages, the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs is now drafting a grant for language assistance to be submitted to the Office of the Governor for approval sometime in January 2009.
DCCA Secretary Melvin L.O. Faisao said the department is coordinating this with the Administration for Native Americans.
He said it is still in its planning and formalizing stages and they expect the final draft to be completed in five months.
DCCA has enlisted the help of Dr. Laurie Philip of the Hawaii-based Pacific Resources for Education and Learning for technical assistance.
There is much concern that the Chamorro language may disappear if people don’t teach the youth to speak it.
Faisao recalled that in 2003, DCCA conducted a proficiency survey in schools on the Chamorro and Carolinian languages.
“What was alarming was that it indicated that native languages are not being proficiently utilized in homes and communities,” said Faisao.
He said DCCA, through the efforts of the Chamorro and Carolinian Language Policy Commission, strives to promote proficient use and preservation of these languages through the Carolinian Language Symposium and Cultural Heritage Months; Inetnon Amot Chamorro and Cultural Heritage Months; and Abiba Lenguahita and Muareiti Mwaliyaasch Local TV Talk Show.
Faisao noted that the Carolinian Affairs Office has taken the initiative of formulating a Language Steering Group called the Carolinian and Related Language Assistance, CARLA.
CARLA’s main goal is to update existing dictionary and CD mass production of the Carolinian Dictionary while DCCA is working with the Indigenous Affairs Office and the community to formulate a steering group with a similar objective and goals as that of CARLA.
Saipan will host the Annual Chamorro Conference next month.
